Monthly Archives: September 2015

I fondly remember that any time the Peanuts gang aired on television, it was a whole family event. Many of these family time moments are missed in our rushed world. When we received the newest Peanuts’ DVD, ‘He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown’, we were able to all sit together & reconnect. We had a great time watching the entire DVD & the boys especially loved the short episodes.

Charlie Brown has provided a number of ‘teachable moments’ to millions of children. Most often, he’s shown them that it’s okay to be yourself. During the lessons on friendship & holiday celebrations, we’ve all laughed at Snoopy’s antics & whatever the kids were up to that day.

An anti-bullying message has never been more pertinent. Both my youngest son & I have been victims of bullying. In fact, it’s the major reason that he attends school here at home. Throughout the last few years, I’ve seen more & more kids enroll in Home/Cyber Schooling due mostly to this problem. As parents it isn’t always the easiest subject to broach. Many kids don’t want to tattle or are just plain scared of repercussions. It can be of both help & comfort to have a familiar, animated friend show them that they aren’t alone.

Whether or not you child has been bullied, a lot can be learned from Charlie concerning how he & his pals handle the situations. Kudos to Warner Bros. for confronting this issue head-on. We’ve all come to expect quality viewing from Warner Bros. They haven’t disappointed. ‘He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown’ will be an excellent addition to your home library.

STORIES OF COURAGE AND HEART ARE FEATURED ON

HE’S A BULLY, CHARLIE BROWN

A NEW PEANUTS COMPILATION FROM

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

AVAILABLE OCTOBER 6, 2015

Release aligns with Anti-Bullying Month in Support of Educating and Raising Awareness of Bullying Prevention

BURBANK, CA (June 10, 2015) — Important life lessons are learned by the Peanuts gang, on He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown available October 6, 2015 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE). This heartwarming collection brings together He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown and two newly remastered content into 4K Ultra HD, It’s a Short Summer, Charlie Brown and an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show. In this must-own compilation, Charlie Brown is called upon to stand up for one of his pals, who is taken advantage of by a bully at summer camp. This title will be released in time for National Bullying Prevention Month, which takes place in October. He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown will retail for $19.97 SRP.

With school out for summer, Charlie Brown and his pals set out for camp. Rerun van Pelt, Lucy’s youngest brother, brings his prized collection of marbles, which once belonged to his grandfather, Felix, an award-winning marbles champ. Rerun is determined to become a marble master just like his grandpa but first, he must find someone who will teach him how to play the game.

At camp, Rerun meets Joe Agate, a tough-talking and disrespectful older boy who takes advantage of Rerun’s naiveté and cons him out of all his grandpa Felix’s marbles. A devastated Rerun confides in Charlie Brown, who is so disgusted by Joe’s behavior that he decides to stand up to him, with the help of Snoopy as Joe Cool, of course. Will Charlie Brown summon the courage to face the awful Joe Agate and win back Rerun’s beloved marbles?

In It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown, which is also featured on this release, it’s a hilarious battle of boys against girls, with Snoopy having to get in the middle of it all. At summer camp, the Peanuts gang put up with poor food and the girls winning all the sports competitions. To get even, the boys challenge them to an arm-wrestling contest between Lucy and “The Masked Marvel” – aka Snoopy in disguise. Will the boys triumph or stay defeated?

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He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown also features an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show, which includes four delightful segments, including Shoveling, Rerun, Lost Blanket and The Manager.

“He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown, sends a powerful message. From time to time, we’re all faced with situations in which we have to be strong, courageous and stand up for what we believe is right,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. She added, “We’re delighted to release this inspiring collection. If you love Peanuts, this is one title you won’t want to miss.”

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

SYNOPSIS
In every basic U.S. History class, children and teenagers learn about the American Revolution and how the colonists came together to fight unfair taxation by their British counterparts, creating a country founded on the values of freedom, liberty and justice. One of the most notorious events leading up to this revolution was the Boston Massacre, which helped light the spark that fueled a rebellion. But what do we know about the events the paved the way to this historic moment?
The Sword & Scabbard: Thieves and Thugs and the Bloody Massacre in Boston by Allen Woods is the first in a series of novels that answers this question, weaving a story of crime, intrigue and politics to look at an unexplored section of history in a compelling new way.
The streets and taverns of Boston prior to ‘The Bloody Massacre’ were filled with brawls and scrapes, hot words and cold calculations. Nicholas Gray and Maggie Magowan run The Sword and Scabbard, a tavern that is the center of both criminal and political scheming. Each is a fugitive from a dangerous past and their relationship grows fitfully in the midst of historic events. The pair remain suspicious of politicians on both sides of the Atlantic, but are eventually caught in a world where politics and crime meet.
In this thrilling, yet in-depth look at life in the colonies and the onset of the American Revolution, The Sword & Scabbard reveals that:
•Samuel Adams and other leaders saw themselves at war long before bullets flew, and they were willing to use physical intimidation and threats by gangs of unemployed sailors and dockworkers to further their goals.
•The Sons of Liberty had no belief in freedom of the press if someone published information harmful to their cause
•Revolutionary Boston was a city in turmoil, not a mythical place of pure and uniform Revolutionary ideals, and was filled with both self-serving and heroic people, as well as many others who just wished they could be left alone.
•Resistance to the taxes of the Stamp Act (which led to the Massacre and eventually the Revolution) through an import boycott helped John Hancock and other large merchants run smaller competitors out of business.MY THOUGHTS:
If, as a reader, you’ve skipped Historical Fiction as a genre, then ‘The Sword’ is for you. Many times these fiction works tend to spend too much time on facts & dates rather than plot & characters. ‘The Sword’ breaks that stereotype. Allen Woods has achieved a very fair balance between actual events & wonderfully crafted fiction.
The American Revolution is usually written about in a romance novel & while there is some romance, the majority of the novel involves action. Another plus is that, although the dialogue is correct for the era, it’s not overwhelming to the point where it becomes monotonous. Nicholas & Maggie are both intelligent & strong leads, completely believable for the time period. With the amount of action, ‘The Sword’ has changed my opinion towards historical fiction as a whole.
While there are both violent & sexual situations included, one would expect as much during a time of war. Neither takes away from the value of the book. It is worth a read. Look for more books in the series to come soon. I give it 4 stars total.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Synopsis was provided by publisher. Cover pic belongs to publisher.

Alzheimer’s is a traumatic disease for both the patient & their family. Olivia knows this all too well. Tom, her father-in-law, suffers from it. Having to move him to nursing facility was their only option after he become more agitated & less aware. Visiting him multiple times a week has allowed the entire family to remain close. Growing used to his mood swings & fictional tales, there wasn’t too much that could or would surprise the Tate family anymore.
At least that’s what they thought. During a visit with Olivia, Tom begins confessing. According to him, he’s a murderer. But, with his current mindset, could it be true? No one believes Olivia’s re-telling. With no moral choice, she turns to the police. Based off Tom’s specific instructions, they find a body under the Tate’s garage.
Now they know some of the details Tom told them are accurate. But, the Tom they all know is no killer. All of Tom’s thoughts get jumbled. Is there more to the story that Tom forgot? Everything Olivia knows is about to fly apart. Spending two decades as part of the family means she knows them all pretty well. Or does she?
What a ride! Sibel Hodge has created a terrific mystery. At least twice, I’d thought I had it figured out but was way wrong! That’s excellent.
I think it’s fabulous that Sibel Hodge has incorporated an illness that has touched so many families. Not only did it bring a ‘real’ feel to the characters, but highlights what families go through with the illness.
Olivia’s character was spot-on. A brilliant, strong woman who never gives up with the tenacity of a pit bull, family is number one to her. In the midst of the mystery portion, we feel Olivia’s pain in her family relationships. I truly appreciated her portrayal of a flawed mom & wife who forgets school events & dresses imperfectly.
As for the plot, there are roller coaster twists & turns. Although I wasn’t expecting suspense, there was no shortage of it. It’s a fresh perspective on a fiction/mystery with tremendous depth. I look forward to more works from the author. This was the first of hers that I had read. She did a spectacular job. It’s five stars from me.

Breast cancer awareness doesn’t just last a month for some women, so the welcome mats are available all year long in Carpet One Floor & Home stores throughout the U.S., beginning in October. The mats retail for approximately $24.99 US/$34.99CDN. Each mat features a sturdy rubber backing and a pink ribbon to remind people of the cause it supports. All welcome mats are stain and water resistant, machine washable, made in the USA, are suitable for indoor or outdoor use and measure 2’ by 3’. Not only do they support a great cause, the clever designs make a beautiful and functional personal style statement. More information on The Breast Cancer Research Foundation may be found here: http://www.bcrfcure.org/

Avon rocks with skincare, makeup, fashion, children’s items, holiday gifts and even kitchenware. But, one of the greatest achievements that Avon boasts is their never ending fundraising for breast cancer awareness.

Proudly fly at your home or business to show support and build awareness of breast cancer. These 100% nylon flags are simply designed to let everyone know that you are helping to find a cure for someone special.

For the Girls® pink wind chimes have been created to benefit breast cancer charities. We’ve partnered with theJoy to Life Foundation, andThe Women of Hope, two organizations serving women with and at risk of breast cancer. The Joy to Life Foundation provides free mammograms for undeserved women in Alabama. The Women of Hope supports breast cancer patients and survivors, and promotes breast cancer awareness.

In staying with our commitment to supporting American jobs & companies, allFor the Girls®Hats are manufactured and printed in the USA. QMT donates 25% of the purchase price of eachFor the Girls® Hat to a nonprofit organization researching a cure, promoting awareness, or supporting women who have breast cancer.

In staying with our commitment to supporting American jobs & companies, all For the Girls® T-Shirts are manufactured and printed in the USA. QMT donates 25% of the purchase price of each For the Girls® T-Shirt to a nonprofit organization researching a cure, promoting awareness, or supporting women who have breast cancer.

Perhaps the best way to put a smile on someone’s face is to provide a good example of what one looks like! And a Smiley Face Tower does just that. These simply adorable boxes stand six high and hold honey roast peanuts, assorted Jelly Belly® beans, creamy, chocolate fudge, chocolate chip cookies, 4 rainbow Bavarian pretzels and a box of our high-quality Cheese, Buffalo Ranch and Almond Pecan corn. The gift boxes are stacked sky high and tied with a black ribbon. Click Here View The Contents

Delight in the ambiance of candlelight and the fragrances you love without the mess, danger, and expense of traditional candles. Sculpted wax, warm yellow light, and a life-like flickering flame make this LED candle both beautiful and safe. No more fire hazards, soot, smoke, or waxy messes to clean up. Candle Sensations are safe to use around kids and pets.

• Flickers and moves like a real candle

• Easily change scents as often as you like with four customizable fragrance infusion pads

SYNOPSIS:In 1943, at dawn on a street in the Jewish ghetto of Nazi-occupied Rome, a woman makes a chance decision with her heart that her head will wrestle with for the rest of her life.
Chiara Ravello is single, with a sister who needs her constant care due to severe epilepsy. While walking one morning she locks eyes with a woman being herded onto a truck bound for the concentration camp with her family. Claiming the woman’s young son, Daniele, as her own nephew, Chiara demands that he be given to her; only as the truck departs does she realize what she’s done.
Following the characters from war-torn 1940s Rome through the jazz-fueled nights of the 1950s, and ending up in 1970s Rome and Wales, these characters with intersecting lives struggle with identity in ways that are unique but also overlap due to circumstances both chosen and accidental. Gradually we learn of the havoc wreaked on Chiara’s world by the boy she rescued, and of how he eventually broke her heart. When she receives a call from a teenage girl claiming to be Daniele’s daughter, Chiara must accept that the time has come to face up to the past.MY THOUGHTS:
‘Early One Morning’ has an intriguing plot. Reading about the atrocities committed by heartless SS soldiers is never easy, but so many compelling fiction & non-fiction works have resulted from this time period. Unfortunately, for me, this one fell flat.
Initially, I was hooked. The beginning chapters are fantastic as we learn of Daniele & Chiara’s initial interactions. As the novel progressed, it’s twists & turns became clustered & confusing. I’ve stated many times that switching between characters and/or time periods can be tricky. This novel proves this theory.
While the novel jumps decades back & forth, it would have suited readers to have that noted. At times, there’s very little difference between Chiara ‘past’ & Chiara ‘present’. Quite a few times, I had to back track to reconcile the difference. Readers are left to wonder about Daniele & his life post trauma as we instead read about Chiara’s social outings & life. Perhaps adding a note at each time change or starting at the beginning & going in a more chronological fashion would have made the plot clearer.
I had high hopes that this would be a home run WWII-era novel. But, the lack of clarity ruined it for me. With such inventive main characters & a very exciting plot idea, it should have been a 5 star novel. Instead, I have to give it 3.
‘Early One Morning’, originally released in the UK is available in the US on 9/29. As always, I encourage you to try it for yourself & form your own opinion.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

‘Mayhem in Christmas River’ is the second book in the ‘A Christmas Cozy Mystery’ series.

Cinnamon, of Cinnamon’s Pies, is back for more. After solving a murder & finding renewed love, she expects life to go back to normal. Unfortunately, she should have known it wasn’t to be.
Although Christmas River hosts the holiday year round, it’s time for their July parade & festivities. Tourists gather & townsfolk prepare to once again celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. However, there’s a humbug in their midst. Christmas isn’t the target, but shop owners are a different story.
Unfortunately, this humbug is also a firebug. Kara, Cinnamon’s best friend & ornament shop owner, is the first victim. Having to bow out of her role as Mrs. Claus to handle her crisis, she hands the role over to Cinnamon. But, when the arsonist’s next fire also involves an actor in the play, Cinnamon worries for the safety of her store. Can the arsons be stopped before Cinnamon’s Pies is destroyed?
As if dealing with this isn’t enough, Cinnamon & Daniel are having relationship issues. Added stress from his investigation & her working too much isn’t helping. Can they weather this storm?
By far, the debut mystery was the best. While I enjoyed the idea of having the series deal with something other than murder, it was much more of a romance novel than a mystery. The entire mayhem story seemed more like an afterthought for the majority of the novel.
Cinnamon is a still a strong lead, but I didn’t like most of Daniel’s interactions with her. He is still a great character but he seemed more subdued & lackluster than in the previous book.
I enjoy the series as a whole & will continue with it; however, this outing is a 3 star story.